What are the French thankful for? Surely not the new President Nicolas Sarkozy. For the past week, the French rail lines (also known as SNCF) have been crippled by a nationwide strike. During Sarkozy's campaign, he promised to afford a number of incentives to the citizens employed by SNCF. What happens in France when a politician doesn't follow through with what he has promised? You guessed it. STRIKE.

In the midst of the strike, I have been trying to find other ways to spend my free time here in Tours. The frigid weather is not very conducive to outdoor activities and, unfortunately, there are no ski resorts in Tours.

This past weekend I visited the local "patinoire," or ice-skating rink in English. Fortunately, the skating rink was indoors and it was a good way to expel some energy. The skating rink resembled the McCann Ice Arena the local ice skating rink back in N.Y., except for one difference.

I took my camera out to snap a few shots and a booming voice shot down at me from above before I had the chance to open the shutter. "L'appareil photo est interdit sur la glace!" (Cameras are not allowed on the ice!) Now, that's a new one. What was I going to do with my camera? Take some pictures to prove to the French government that not everyone is on strike?

All cameras aside, my trip to the French ice-skating rink was an enjoyable experience and a fun start to the winter holidays.

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving in France. Madame Kingue and Madame Desombre, the two program coordinators, reserved seats at a very elegant restaurant "La Cave." Situated in a cave in the side of a hill, La Cave "recreates the magic of large caves hollowed out of the soft limestone." Unfortunately, we did not have turkey. However, we did have a delicious plate of duck.

The typical French dinner is much different from an American meal. The feast began with an aperitif, usually a white wine, and a plate of smoked salmon. Next was the main dish, duck and spinach, accompanied by a red wine and a plate of mashed potatoes. After the main course we were served salad and cheese. Typically in America the salad comes before the main dish, but that is not the case in France. Topping off a memorable evening, the meal ended with a delectable slice of raspberry cake.

A week ago, I had a few days off from class and I decided to make the best of it. I researched the many cities in France and I came to the conclusion that I would visit Strasbourg. All of the tourist guides recommended it and they mentioned that the fall was the best season in eastern France.

Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace-Lorraine, is situated on the French-German border. The city is a mélange of French and German culture and its claim to fame is the "Capital of Christmas." The architecture of Strasbourg transported me back to the fairy tale world of Hansel and Gretel and the smell of warm gingerbread got me in the holiday spirit. The center of town reminded me of Rockefeller Center. There was a gigantic Christmas tree which had just been put in place. Strasbourg does not have a metro, but a more modern Tramway that looked very futuristic. While on the Tramway, I felt as if I was in another world as I passed by the covered bridges and "Le petit France."

The gastronomy of Strasbourg also has a heavy German influence and the native Alsatian wine, known as Riesling, was one of the most versatile that I have had the chance to taste.

No trip to Strasbourg is complete if you don't get the chance to walk across the German border. The second day in Strasbourg, I took a bus to the outskirts of the city. There was a footbridge that crossed the Rhine River and I made the trek to Germany, stopping only once so that I could say that I was in both Germany and France at the same time. It was an exhilarating experience. I suggest you try it, if you get the chance.

After visiting Germany, I concluded my trip with a visit to the European Parliament. Strasbourg is often called the capital of Europe because of the many EU headquarters that are located in the city, not to mention the enormous history of the highly disputed Alsace-Lorraine Region. My trip to Strasbourg was definitely one of the highlights of my time here in France. I had the feeling of being in another country, while enjoying the comforts of France, the country which has been my home for the past three months.

During the past two weeks, the theme of French gastronomy has pervaded my life. I have had the opportunity to sample foie gras, Boudon noir, truffes, and a plethora of wines. Last week was a special holiday here in the Loire valley. The third Thursday of November is the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau, the new batch of Beaujolais wine. One of the main streets here in Tours was closed and the road was filled with wine vendors and French locals trying to get a taste of the season's first produce.

While sitting here at my computer, I am struggling with the fact that I only have four more weeks here in Tours. The semester has gone by way too fast and I wish I had the time to stay for the whole year. Before stepping foot on French soil, my main goal by coming to France was to grasp a foreign language. My time here in France has afforded me with so many opportunities and learning experiences, and I could not have asked for more. My eyes have been opened to many cultural differences and I have become more cognizant of the world around me. In lieu of the upcoming holiday, if there is one cultural difference that I am thankful for here in France, it is the food.

Bon appétit!